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Chelsea are set to play in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, their first since losing to Manchester City on penalties in 2019.
Thomas Tuchel has won every knockout competition he has led the Blues in but will face an in-form Liverpool, who are sure to provide a daunting test.
Chelsea could win their 5th Carabao Cup trophy on Sunday
The West London club have been incredibly successful over the last two decades, thanks to the investment of Roman Abramovich and a sound scouting system. One could also argue that the current side is one of the best squads the Blues have had over the last five years.
However, on Sunday, they will face a Liverpool side that looks unassailable, capable of defeating the best in Europe on their day. Tuchel will, therefore, be counting on some key individuals to give him the upper hand in the final on February 27.
On that note, let’s take a look at five players who could prove key for Chelsea in their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
#5 Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger has perhaps been the best player in Tuchel's reign at Chelsea over the last year. The German international is excelling under his fellow countryman and has a knack for showing up in the big games.
Of all the centre-backs at the club, the former AS Roma star is the most aggressive and does the best job of man-marking his opponent.
Mohamed Salah, a former teammate of the German, will be looking to make a mark in the final and the right-winger will go up against Rudiger. The centre-back will have to keep the Egyptian quiet in the Carabao Cup final, something he failed to do in the last league meeting between the two sides in January.
However, given Rudiger's performances in finals, Tuchel would certainly be counting on him, regardless of the quality of the opponent.
#4 Mason Mount
Mason Mount has been the most productive player going forward for Chelsea this season. Since bursting onto the scene in the 2019-20 campaign under Frank Lampard, the 23-year-old ace has not looked back.
One of the most versatile players at the club, Mount can be deployed in a number of roles. He can play behind two strikers, play on either wing or even function as a wing-back.
However, his main threat lies in set-pieces and his delivery from corners. Moreover, his partnership with Kai Havertz and Romelu Lukaku at the start of the campaign proved very successful and the trio could reunite in the Carabao Cup final.
Mount already has 7 goals and 8 assists to his name this season and will be keen to increase that tally against Liverpool on Sunday.
#3 Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy was one of the finest signings Chelsea made in the Frank Lampard era. The Senegalese looks formidable and dependable, restricting Kepa Arrizabalaga to the bench more often than not.
Mendy was excellent in the UEFA Champions League final, the UEFA Super Cup final and the Club World Cup final. He was also sensational for Senegal at the AFCON, making him a prime big-game player for the Blues. While Kepa has been the first-choice in the cup games this season, Mendy is a far more reliable option against the bigger clubs.
Liverpool have been the highest-scoring team in the Premier League this term. Mendy will have a tough task ahead of him, but he could well prove to be the trump card for his team once again.
#2 N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante has struggled with injuries this season but when he is on the pitch, he has proved to be arguably the best player at the club. The Frenchman has won every domestic club trophy with the Blues, barring the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool have a dynamic midfield and marauding full-backs. Kante shall have to keep his engine running throughout the entire game and protect the backline before providing substantial support going forward. He was a key player in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in January and can dominate midfield battles against the best.
If the Stamford Bridge outfit are to win the Carabao Cup, Kante shall need to be at his very best against the Reds.
#1 Thiago Silva
By the end of his career in English football, Thiago Silva could make a case for being the best free transfer in Premier League history. The Brazilian has been one of the best centre-backs in Europe this season but he will face a massive test in the Carabao Cup final.
An intelligent ball distributor and robust defender, Silva has been the talisman for Chelsea this season. The South American ace can sniff out danger quickly and possesses the technical nous to win the ball from the best attackers in the game.
But one of his best abilities is his positioning when crosses are hurled into the box and his threat from offensive set-pieces. The centre-back will be the oldest player on the pitch in the Carabao Cup final but could be the difference-maker for the Blues.
Silva is one of the most decorated players in the game and could add the Carabao Cup to his trophy cabinet if he performs to his potential on Sunday.
